“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” they say. Easier said than done, but with determination and hard work, nothing is impossible.

Cara Brookins found herself in an abusive marriage. With five kids, she knew she had to save them from the toxic environment. So, she left her husband and built a new home from scratch. How? By drawing construction plans herself and watching YouTube videos to learn building techniques like laying a foundation and installing plumbing.

In 2007, Cara, a computer programmer, couldn’t afford a comfortable home for her family. So, she bought land for $20,000 and got a $150,000 construction loan. Her kids, aged 2 to 17, helped build the 3,500-square-foot home.

They moved into Inkwell Manor on March 31, 2009. “If I, a 110-pound computer programmer, can build an entire house, you can do anything you set your mind to,” Cara said.

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